Lazy Day

Monday, July 8. Day Twenty
Welp. I didn't really do a whole lot today. The biggest achievement of my day was this beautiful creation.

Well... Not this EXACT salad. But I copied the recipe and made one just like it for dinner and good grief, it was heavenly(: Really, they loved it! They liked the salad more than the main dish (Salmon) and I was super stoked about it!
Also, I was surfing the web earlier today and happened to find my sister Allison's new website. I was pretty psyched about it. Its a site for her to show off all her cool talents(: Check it out! Anyway... as I was scrolling through, I found this.



I was so touched! She is so talented! It made me really happy to see. I really have the most amazing family out there and I miss them terribly. But, they are my family and they are stuck with me so I know that they will still be there when I get home, and that is really comforting.
I've noticed that it is easier for me to be happy and have fun here when I take more time to notice the little things. Like being grateful for stuff like fireflies! They are so gorgeous! And the amount of green here is breathtaking. I really love the family that I get to work for, the kids are awesome and we have a lot of fun together, even if it is just lazying around the house. And I'm making so many new friends! I have been truly blessed! It was hard for me at first and it still is really hard sometimes, but I know that I'm here for a reason. I have all ready learned so much and I know that I won't stop learning. It's incredible. I've been given the experience of a lifetime. And I'm so glad I'm here

It's Been a While...

Days 15-19
Wednesday, July 3. Day Fifteen
It was a beautiful day and I awoke to the news that the neighbors were gone and we were free to use their brand new pool. YES! After I did a few errands to prepare for the Fourth, Julia and I went over to relax in this beauty.

Julia didn't know I was taking a picture(: It was nice and relaxing and I loved it. Later that night, Ed said he was going to grill some fillet mignon. I was like... Cool! Never had it! So it was kind of a big deal cause it was my first time eating it. So Ed made the main dish, Jules made some really yummy mushrooms and I threw together a salad. It was SUPER delicious! And of course, we had to document the moment!

I know, your mouth is watering(: It was super delish. It was quite a long and exhausting day. I had eaten WAY too much food (I also made a crumb cake that night) and so by the time I went to bed my body had had enough. First anxiety attack since I've been out here. It was really scary, really hard. My family was camping and didn't have service so I couldn't talk to my dad (Which normally is what helps most) Lucky for me, my best friend, Trent, was there for me. He skyped me and helped me calm down till I could fall asleep. First anxiety attack=CONQUERED(:

Thurdsay, July 4. Day Sixteen
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAYYYY! I was lucky enough to get to spend my fourth of July with one of my best friends, Scott, who was on vacation in NYC. I woke up really early to be able to catch a train out to Hoboken, NJ to meet him and some of his family at Carlos Bake Shop! Cool, yeah?

It was a really cool little bakery with sooo many treat and cake and mmmm(: I got this divine little thing.

Red Velvet is my favorite(: It was heavenly, let me just tell you. Anyway, after that we took another train into the city. The first thing we did was walk to Brooklyn Bridge. Which was pretty cool! There was a really nice view of the city from there and it was a fun place to take a few pictures. Even if we all look disgusting because it was 100 degrees and 100% humidity. (Probably not, but that's what it felt like.)

You can sorta see the skyline? Whoops(: Anyway... I was there. Afterward we took a walk down Canal Street. Super duper sketch. Never go there alone. It was kinda cool though. And I got a new bag which i really needed! Then we walked down to little Italy to this little pizza place called Lombardi's. HOLY COW. BEST PIZZA OF MY LIFE (Sorry Daddy, yours is good too!)

It was huge and the toppings were delish and I ate way too much and was sooo full but holy goodness, it was worth it(: We also stopped in Central Park. That place is huge! It was fun to walk everywhere and see everything! So many street performers and so much music, I loved it!

Darling, yes?(; Then we stopped at this cute little fountain thing.

Ignore that I look awful and just look at the fountain(: Then we decided that we were hungry again. So we went to this cute little traveling food car thing called Waffles and Dinges. They serve waffles with all kinds of delicious things on them. And they are Belgian waffles so somehow that makes them 100% better. Seriously, it was so good. Seriously delicious. Just look at it.

Mine had strawberries and ice cream on it. My mouth is watering just looking at it. AH. If you are ever in New York, go get one. After we sort of got to see some fireworks (It was PACKED) And then I headed back home to get some rest. It was a pretty spectacular day.

Friday, July 5. Day Seventeen
I slept in till like.... eleven. It was heavenly. I was pretty exhausted. Around 3:30, me and some nannies decided to head into the city. When we first got there, we decided that we were hungry. We stopped at some cute little Irish Pub and I got what I thought was pot pie, cause that's what the menu said it was, but it looked like this.

What? It was SO good though. The bread stuff on top was light and fluffy and flaky and yummy(: Then, we went to go get manicures and pedicures cause they are cheaper in the city.

Cute, yes?(: We also did a little shopping, went back to the waffle places (YUM) and I had my very first taxi ride!

Nothing too special, but I was excited(: By the time we were ready to go back home, everyone was getting out of the shows. It was SOO CROWDED. We had to run to catch the train and didn't get home till way super late. But it was fun. I love the cityyyy(:

Saturday, July 6. Day Eighteen
What a long day! First thing I did was head to a water park called Lake Tomahawk.Its really cool because it is right on the lake. Like, the slides go into the lake! It was crazy! It was really really crowded. But it was pretty fun! Didn't take and pictures... My bad...
Anyway, after i came home and showered and such Chandler asked if I wanted to head to the state fair. I had never been to one, so I thought it would be fun! When I got there, a circus was about to start! HOLY COOL! I've never been to one before and, other than the awful heat, it was actually super cool. I only got a few pictures and none of them were good... Here is the best one.

I realize that no one is performing.... Haha(: Once the lights were out it was kinda hard to get a real picture. But it was way cool! Then, we went and watched a bike show. Where they jumped these ramps and did a bunch of crazy cool tricks! It was awesome! And finally we went on a ferris wheel ride! It was great(:

Sunday, July 7. Day Nineteen
Really, not much to say about Sunday. Church was good. Led the music... Of course(; And I got a lot of rest. I mean, that is what it's called yes?(:

It was a crazy busy week, but it was awesome and I loved it! I am starting toget the hang on things here and I think that its starting to look up(:

SUMMER IS HERE!

Tuesday, July 2. Day Fourteen
It has officially been two weeks, kids. Half a month. Holy cow. Where does the time go? Its been insane! Here's the deal, I normally have a HUGE problem with touching raw meat... I mean it's just gross and squishy.. Ew. And today I was proud of myself because I marinated some chicken and it was sick but i pushed through it and it tasted AWESOME(: Cooking can be very rewarding, once you learn how to actually do it. We grilled it and had corn on the cob and ate outside and enjoyed the weather and basked in the joy of living and GOOD GRIEF ITS SUMMER(: And we are psyched about it!

Tommy had a championship game tonight and I wanted to get him excited so I told him I would make him a victory treat! He said "What if i don't win?" I laughed(: He's a funny kid(: Soo... I made these(:

Yeah, its fine. I know your mouth is watering. Mine is too but I actually got to eat them. HAH(; They are caramel pretzel brownies and they are heaven. AH. So good. 

Yeah, we're hot. It's fine. Anyway, Tommy won! Whooo! And we all had a beautiful summer day. Guys, i love my job(:

Catch Up

Days 9-13
Thursday, June 27. Day Nine
One thing that I have really loved about this house is this.

Terrible picture, I know(: But this is the treadmill. They have an exercise room in the basement and I really love it! Weird, right? But it has been really nice to get downstairs and just run. It helps me feel better when I am down. I never really liked to run, but out here its becoming something I love! And here is a good reason why I love it so much.

I know, I know. I'm doing the total girl thing and flaunting the fact that i'm exercising or whatever, but really I just want to show my mom that i'm loving it. Anyway, these shoes are brilliant. It like running on clouds. My feet never hurt. And i think they are stinking cute too, so that helps(: 

Later that day, I went to institute. I really am loving that too. The teacher is really sweet and she really knows how to teach. I am making new friends and I am beginning to look forward to going each week. It is really a blessing to go to things the the ward and to be able to feel the spirit. That  is something that I really miss from being at a home where the spirit is constantly present because of the priesthood. Not that I am not living in a good house with a good family, because I am! It is just a very different feeling.

Friday, June 28. Day Ten
Really, I just don't have a lot to say about this day because I was sick all day. I didn't do much of anything with the kids or after work. I felt bad because its my job to keep them happy and entertained, but really I just felt like crap all day. But I guess that's all just a part of the job, yes?

Saturday, June 29. Day Eleven
Since I was feeling much better when I woke up, I decided I would go to the beach for the regional YSA beach party with a couple of my nanny friends. I didn't take pictures and I know you are all hating me for it right now. But let me just say: It was a beautiful beach and very fun... But nothing compared to West Coast beaches... Haha. But still I had a blast. I met new people and saw new things... It was good! The beach was out in Queens so we had to take a pretty long subway ride to get there. For part of the ride all we could see out either window was this.

OCEAN! It was pretty cool(: However, I don't really love the subway... It's kind of gross and full of lots and lots of people... But is a cheap and easy way to get around New York, so thats pretty cool. Anyway, after the beach me, some nannies and a few new friends I had made there decided to go to a place called Shake Shack to get some dinner. Its really really popular and normally the wait is crazy insane and you can never get a seat. But we only waited about ten minutes to order and got seats too! I ordered a burger, fries, and a shake... it was 18 dollars! WHAA? Everything in the city is crazy expensive... But it was super good. Just look a this place!

Not a very good pic, sorry(: But it was pretty fun! And its always great to be in the city too! Anyway, after that we went over to a friends apartment and just hung out. I learned how to dislocate an arm.. So watch out, kids. I'm dangerous(; One of the nannies I got to hang out with is Jazmin. She real fun and she is really helping me to get to know more people. Here is a picture of us.

 Cute, I know(: It turned out to be a really fun day and I had a blast!

Sunday, June 30. Day Twelve

Welp, my second week of church and I all ready have a calling. I was asked to lead the music in sacrament (the same calling I had at home) Crazy, yes? It was pretty weird for me. I'm beginning to get to know my ward a little bit better. I was really hoping that church could be my safe haven because that's how it was for me at home. I think it's getting there. After church, I got to go have dinner with a family out here. The mother is my Dads coworkers sister. (Did ya follow that?) Anyway, it was really nice to go to a house where the spirit is present, say a prayer over my food and talk about things. They were all very nice, we played some games and then just chatted. The mother asked me what I like to do. I mentioned that I love sewing but am going a little crazy because I do not have a sewing machine out here. Well, she said she had one I could borrow for the time being. Imagine my surprise when I see that this is the machine that she is letting me borrow.

AHHH! Isn't is gorgeous! It was built somewhere around 1917 and now has a motor on it so I can use a foot pedal. It took us about 45 minutes to figure out how to tread it and wind the bobbin and such but it sews sooo well! Its a gem and I can't wait to show you all the many things that I am going to make with it! I'm super excited(:

Monday, July 1. Day Thirteen

The weather here is crazy! I woke up to some rain and a crazy text from Julia telling me to check out the storm. It was insane wind and heavy rains. Later that day I was informed that a tornado had touched down in the city I live in and that it went through two other cities. It didn't come over to the part of Berkeley Heights that I live in and we only lost power for a little bit (We have a generator that will always keep us with  power) But the rest of the town was pretty scary. Trees were down everywhere and power was out throughout most of the city. It was kind of exciting! Because of the storm we didn't really do much. But it sure was a crazy day.

Sorry I have been slacking so much.. I promise I will try to do better. Love you all(: 

Date Me

• Wednesday, June 26th Day 8

So, since its summer, the kids and I normally get to sleep in. Yesterday night, I was told that the cleaners were coming this morning and it would be smart to be out of the house. But not to worry, because they normally don't come till around ten and sometimes later. Well, this morning I woke up to vacuums and distant chatter at 8:30 in the morning! So much for sleeping in.... So I woke up the kids and told them we needed to go hang outside for a bit. Julia suggested breakfast so... We went to the diner! Perfect solution, Jules(: 

Tommy and I also went to the Library today. Ah, such a darling little library. If you know me well, you know that i'm in love with the library... Like, whenever i'm frustrated or angry or sad or whatever, I head to the library. Books just make me happy, I don't know why. So I got Tommy a book (Micheal Vey. Super good, go read it now.)  And I got these two!

 Normally I get like, eight... But you know. I don't have as much time to read as I used to. So I cut down a little bit. But I let you know how I like them(:

Today's dinner was.... STIR FRY(: Mmm. Sooo yummy, i'm in love with it. I haven't ever really cooked a bunch before cause mom always did for the family. I mean, I know the basic stuff and I can follow a recipe, but cooking was definitely one of my biggest worries about this job. But tonight's dinner was fast and easy and turned out great! It was chicken, zucchini and cabbage teriyaki (how on earth do you spell that?) stir fry. The family was hesitant about the cabbage but GUESS WHAT? They loved it! Hallelujah. I was psyched. Here's a cute pic of me and Jules to show my excitement.

 Doesn't look delish... But it was, no worries(: AND THAT'S NOT ALL! Julia and I decided we needed some chocolate(: So we made some peanut butter brownies creations. Mmm. Delish. Just look at em! 

  

I know, I know. Your mouth is watering(: You don't need to tell me. 

I also got the chance to meet some of the missionaries in my area tonight. They are wonderful and I can all ready tell that they are going to be a blessing for me. I am excited to get to know them, and everyone else out here, better. I am truly blessed(: It's been a beautiful day!

P.S. I bet when you read the title, you thought this post would be about some cute boy. PAH. How wrong you are(: It's really just cause I decided it was time to date my entries(: 

P.P.S. I would love to hear from you all, post a comment telling me what you do/don't want to hear. I would just love that.

You're all brilliant(;

Missing the Music

Day 7
Its funny, most  people say they have good/bad days or even weeks or months. But here, another nanny friend and I agree, its more like bad/good HOURS. I'm sure every mother out there can back me up on this(: Today had its up and downs. I took my first shopping trip in my beautiful car! (2013 Pathfinder AHHH) Gosh, that car is a dream. It was fun! I took Julia with me and kind of just explored. We came home and had lunch and just kind of lounged around today(: I made Tomato soup and grilled cheese for dinner (my comfort food). Then took Julia to practice. I was feeling a little down so I decided to do what I normally do when I feel sad and play the piano. So I went into the piano room and started on a hunt for some music, anything at all. I searched and searched and finally tried inside the piano bench. There was NOTHING. I was pretty unhappy, so I did the other thing that always makes me feel better. I called my Dad. He told me a lot of things that really helped me. But one of the things he said really had an impact on me. He told me that he has days where he gets sad and misses people too. But he can choose whether the memories make him happy, or whether they make him sad. Sometimes, its okay to be sad but I think its better to be happy. So, I have a plan. One of my friends is writing me letter and sending sheet music in the letters, my parents (when they hopefully come in August) are going to bring my guitar and my sewing machine will be shipped to me soon. I will have things to do, and that makes me feel so much better! I may even be starting some online classes. I'm really excited to start doing things.
Anyway, earlier in the day I had text another nanny out here who had had a similar experience as I am having  and asked her if we could talk or do something so that I could get my mind off things. She picked me up after work and we went to PANCHEROS. JUST LOOK AT THIS BURRITO!!

Ignore that I look awful(:

Well, she's wonderful and talked me through all the anxieties and stresses I have been having. Shes really a blessing to me! I'm excited to get to know her better(:

Speaking of blessings. HEAVENLY FATHER WATCHES OUT FOR US AND LOVES US. For example. My dad works with a lady who has a sister who lives about 15 min. from me. She was told that I was here, and my dad gave me her number. I called her and talked to her and she invited me to dinner on Sunday. I was so thankful! Its been a very crazy day. Super up and down. Good hours and bad hours. And even if I really am missing the music, I can make my own here, ya know? And its going to be beautiful.

Jersey is Calling!

Days 1-6

Whoops, my bad(: I just got the time to sit down and type this out.... So, you know, six days in one post.

• Day One

Probably one of the saddest days of my life. I have the most wonderful, supportive family and having to leave them was SO HARD. But, everyone moves out yes? So, it will be good for me. I just know it. My plane left at 8:30 am. I had a stop in Chicago and then landed in New Jersey around 5 pm and got to meet the family (whom I love) It was a hard day, but a very good day. 

I love these people A LOT. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was leave them. (And my cute Daddy who was taking the picture) But i'm going to try my hardest to stay here and love it. 

• Day Two

Goodness, the roads here are weird. First of all, NO grid-like patterns. Not even close. Also, there are no numbers. All the roads have names.Then there is stuff like jug handles (turn right to go left) no turning on a red light and little two lane roads. So literally, the only way of getting around without knowing where you're going, is by using a GPS. Its insane. So, Angie (The previous nanny that was training me) showed me all around everywhere. Granted, I hardly remembered any of it, but i'm sure i'll get the hang of it. Later that night, we went to institute. It was my first time ever! HOLY COW, EVERYONE HERE IS BLACK. Its kinda great actually. They are all so hilarious and have such sweet spirits and stories. I'm excited to get to know them. 

• Day Three

ROLLER RINK! I know, its been a while since you've heard about one of those. It was sort of Angie's farewell party. It was pretty crazy. Again, i got to meet some new people and I loved it. I actually had a lot of fun. After, we went to a Diner called Broadway Diner. I was glad i got to spend some time with the other nannies and get to know them. I know it will be a horribly long year if i don't have any friends. I am excited to get to know them better. I'm sorry, no picture with this day either):

• Day Four

OHMYWORD NYC! Its crazy wonderful, everything i had hoped it would be and MORE! I saw times square, union square, a couple parks, went to street fairs and flea markets and just had a blast! It was actually a very bittersweet day. Its really tough for me to love something so much and have no one to share it with. I was really missing everyone that day because I just wanted to share my love for this new city. I had a blast though, i really did! Here's a picture to prove it(: 

Hello Red Stairs(: So fun!

• Day Five

I had been really excited to go to church and meet my new ward. I was also really looking forward to getting to sing. I hadn't done that in a while and have really been missing it. Especially because I love Hymns. But I woke up to the reality that I didn't get to be with my family this Sunday. The first Sunday in... like, ever. Well, I cried right through all those hymns. I was so depressed. I know memories are supposed to be happy but heavens, they just hurt me. I miss my family SO. MUCH. But, it can only get better from here, right? Right. So i'm going to get better.

• Day Six

This was a good day. I was in good spirits and was having fun with the kids and the family. We went out to lunch as a send off for Ang, just kind of hung out all day. I got to skype my family and have FHE with them (again, bittersweet) and i got to chat with a couple of my best friends. I was in really good spirits and it turned out to be a good day.

I know some of these entries are short and boring and you probably don't read them. That's fine, no worries(: I just want to keep track of all the things I do while i'm here, I don't want to forget everything that I have learned. It's important to me to keep updated, so I will try my hardest. Hopefully this will turn into a more happy blog. I'm really shooting for that. The next couple posts may be a little iffy, but i'm really going to try. Keep on keeping on, ya know? (;